DIY National Prairie Day Celebration!

The first Saturday in June is National Trails Day AND National Prairie Day… two of our favorite things! Celebrate on June 5th with a self-guided walk at Jerry Smith Prairie – a perfect way to spend time with family and friends or alone! We’re supplying a few ideas and downloads to help you do it.  And you can celebrate anytime!

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#1 Augochloropsis2 strawberry#1 Augochloropsis2 strawberry
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Here are some ideas to get you started: 
  1. Take a leisurely stroll on the 1.25 mile loop trail and soak in all the life, color and bird song that make up this beautiful remnant prairie 
  2. Grab your binoculars and head out early in the morning to bird watch. You can access the Jerry Smith bird list here 
  3. Head out mid-morning into the afternoon and look around at the huge diversity of bees, butterflies and dragonflies visiting the prairie – flying jewels everywhere once you start looking! Access the Jerry Smith Insect list here. 
  4. Do you have little ones?? Down load the Prairie Scavenger hunt and go explore! You’ll be amazed at what you see when you start looking! 
  5. Are you a painter or photographer? The color, texture and ever-changing light on the prairie beckon you!! Grab your art supplies and go! 
  6. Pack a lunch (or a breakfast or a dinner) and have a picnic on a blanket or at one of the picnic tables available at the trailhead! 
Things to remember when you celebrate National Prairie Day at Jerry Smith Park: 
  1. Keep socially distanced from others on the trail… that should be easy in the Wild Lands! 
  2. Sun screen and a hat are recommended. There are shade trees scattered about, but this IS a real, wild, wide open prairie! 
  3. Bring bug spray if you think you’ll go off trail – ticks are out (little stinkers!) 
  4. Bring water 
  5. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed at all times. Make sure you bring water for them, too! 
Jerry Smith Park Location: 

East 139th St and Prospect, Kansas City, MO (note there are two gps points with this address, but only one that will get you into the park…  use this link to get you there 

 Additional information: 

Botanical survey of Jerry Smith 

Bee Survey of Jerry Smith Park 

Importance of Fire  

History of Jerry Smith Park 

Prairie Root system 

Elk and Bison 

Missouri Prairie Foundation

The Missouri Department of Conservation

Questions?

Contact Linda Lehrbaum, KC WildLands, at linda@bridgingthegap.org 

To learn more about Kansas City WildLands or to get involved, go to www.kcwildlands.org. KC WildLands is a program of Bridging The Gap.